I would like to try direct sowing some flower seeds in the Fall to assure that I get blooms in the Spring from them. Here's my dilemma..For the last two years,We have paid somebody to do our Fall maintenance and put down mulch. My husband insists we have mulch spread both in Spring and Fall. How can I continue to have the fall mulching session and direct sow flower seeds where I want them to grow? I feel that the Fall mulching keeps the soil too moist or wet. The soil is very rich, I think it needs to be lighter if that makes sense. Hubby wants the flowerbeds to look neat, even in the winter. I feel that there's still mulch left on the flowerbeds from the Spring Mulching..why pay for adding more? If I direct sow before Mr. B comes to do the Fall mulching, won't the mulch smother the seeds and they not be able to germinate? If we do have Mr. B to Fall mulch, can't I just pull the mulch away to sow the seeds and not put the mulch back where the new seeds are sown? This question seems so long but I need to work this out in my mind. I have never sown any seeds in the Fall.

I have liatris spicata and Monarda fistulosa I would like to trade for datura intoxicating and datura metel! The liatris is bottle brush and the Monarda is lavender burgamot.

Try to put the pot in the shade and wait until the seed spout and become a little more mature before putting it in your deck. If you have no where to put it try sowwing it indoor before bring it out. I put mines in a water bottle fill with soil and let it sit next to my window.

From your list I know these can safely be planted now: Clarkia pulchella Aster azureus Androsace septentrionalis Browallia.americana Gautama (this should be written as Gaura) lindheimeri Dianthus barbatus Cheiranthus allionii Verbascum phoeniceum I'm not familiar with the rest. Hope that helps.